Fantasy Football 2022 Draft Prep: Unpacking film notes on Dameon Pierce, Julio Jones, Justin Fields & more

The third week of the preseason is over and everyone seems to be selecting their Fantasy groups. It is extra vital than ever to have the newest data and opinions heading into your huge draft days.

That is the purpose right here. I’ll spill my guts on every thing I noticed from the third week of the preseason, sorted by place. I will hold it temporary so you possibly can learn all of it shortly, and I will daring up something that I believe is de facto vital.

Hopefully this helps you be ok with the squad you set collectively.

Quarterbacks for each league

Jalen Hurts, Eagles: I wrote about why I’ve bought into Hurts as a top-five quarterback. He has a shot to be wonderful for Fantasy managers.

Trey Lance, 49ers: I wrote about why I am nonetheless taking Lance at decide No. 100 or later, however there’s considerably more downside due to what I noticed in opposition to the Texans, and what I’ve learn from others.

Tom Brady, Buccaneers: There was nothing off about Tom Brady in his first televised motion of the summer time.  He was poised and correct, simply as we have seen him for many years. As for worries about his offensive line, it did a great job on all eight of his drop backs, however being trustworthy, lots of Brady’s throws had been fast releases. Meaning the O-line didn’t have to dam for very lengthy. I am nonetheless moderately assured the Buccaneers will be capable to work by any offensive line points they’ve, however it will nonetheless be nice in the event that they made a transfer earlier than Week 1 to additional stabilize the safety in entrance of Brady. The GOAT remains to be among the many best possible values on Draft Day so long as he is the seventh quarterback or later off the board.

Justin Fields, Bears: If Fields performs like he did in restricted time in opposition to the Browns, he’ll be among the best breakout passers in Fantasy. He was correct, he made nice selections each when it comes to the place to go along with the soccer and when to depart the pocket. And his capacity to control defenses along with his mobility was on show, reminding me of one among my favourite traits of his when he was at Ohio State. After all, he was additionally getting nice safety from his offensive line. The largest concern Fantasy managers have about Fields is whether or not or not his blockers can be even first rate, a lot much less good. The higher they’re, the higher Fields can be. Not having a dependable No. 2 receiver can be a fear. However his play in opposition to the Browns did make me really feel just a little extra optimistic about taking Fields as a breakout candidate with a late-round decide.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins: Tyreek Hill alone could carry Tagovailoa to a strong season. Hill’s velocity is unreal. You knew that, however his capacity to separate on brief and intermediate routes goes to drive defenses insane. The excellent news is that Tagovailoa appears to be in sync with Hill — that a lot was gleaned in opposition to the Eagles in apply and within the preseason game. Tagovailoa will nonetheless must be schemed up as a passer in an effort to have success (bootlegs, fast screens, RPOs, and so forth.) — he missed some open receivers within the preseason recreation — however he was eager sufficient to make the precise name on an RPO and hit Mike Gesicki for an 18-yard acquire. Like Fields, Tagovailoa will want his O-line to play properly to ensure that him to play properly. Not like Fields, Tagovailoa has some wonderful receivers. If dashing yards did not matter, Tagovailoa can be higher than Fields in Fantasy. However they do, so Tagovailoa ought to be considered as a less expensive breakout Fantasy quarterback.

Quarterbacks for Superflex/2QB

Jameis Winston, Saints: It is a very small pattern measurement — 9 snaps — however Winston gave the impression to be a dependable, largely correct quarterback. He threw with timing and anticipation to Jarvis Landry on a 20 yard throw, he saved his eyes downfield to search out Landry once more over the center on a good window dart, he was just a little excessive and extensive of Chris Olave on one other deep-middle move, however he discovered him whereas going by his progressions. Lastly, I liked him checking right down to Alvin Kamara as an alternative of making an attempt to power the ball additional down area. There’s additionally this: Andy Dalton was superb at discovering receivers. Between these two and the best way the receivers had been schemed up and the best way the offensive line blocked, I really feel the Saints offense is basically sound and ought to be good this 12 months. Drafting Winston and Dalton in a Superflex league appears like an economical thought.

Baker Mayfield, Panthers: I want I may inform you that Mayfield was flawless, however the reality is he was inconsistent. There have been instances the place he misfired to open receivers, notably on deeper routes, and there have been instances the place he made good reads and anticipatory throws. His landing to Shi Smith was nice; his landing toss to D’Onta Foreman was almost off-target if not for Foreman selecting it from his proper butt cheek. I worry Mayfield will find yourself being extra up and down than constant, and that may most likely be mirrored in his Fantasy manufacturing.

Mac Jones: I felt like I used to be watching a rookie once I noticed Jones in opposition to the Raiders, which is the direct reverse of what I stated when Jones was truly a rookie. He appeared very delicate to strain, even when there was little or no coming at him. His interception was not only a dangerous throw however a late throw, suggesting he did not learn the protection correctly. Not till the second quarter did Jones begin enjoying just a little bit higher when his offensive line was collapsed, and it collapsed steadily. If the Patriots cannot repair their O-line points, their entire season may very well be harpooned. That goes for everybody, not simply Jones. I might move on Jones in drafts except he was one thing just like the twenty fourth quarterback off the board.

Quarterback for the long run

Malik Willis, Titans: I counted seven on-target throws (excluding a dump display to his working again), seven off-target throws (together with one inside of 5 yards), 5 predetermined throws (excluding a known as working again display), 4 instances he had good motive to depart the pocket, 4 instances he was not bothered by a move rush, thrice he held the ball too lengthy, and two instances he missed seeing a great goal downfield. His interception was off a tipped move and should not be on him. All in all, he did not make many terrible selections as a passer, and he ran rather well, so it was an encouraging outing for the rookie. The time is now to snag him in Dynasty, be it as a value-add within the draft or by way of commerce if he tumbled within the draft and somebody reluctantly plucked him. 

Working backs

David Montgomery & Khalil Herbert, Bears: Montgomery confirmed flashes of burst and velocity to go along with his energy, reminding me why he is one among Fantasy’s higher backs. Nevertheless it didn’t assist that he was stuffed for two  yards or fewer on 5 of his 9 carries. As with Fields, his O-line is an issue, and in contrast to Fields, he cannot get round it as simply. Moreover, the entrance 5’s inefficiency within the run recreation would possibly make Herbert just a little extra interesting as a result of he is faster than Montgomery. He could also be a greater runner in a zone scheme. This would possibly evolve right into a thunder and lightning duo, however that also ought to imply Montgomery is utilized in short-yardage conditions far more usually. And Montgomery is healthier at dealing with targets and blocking. Herbert’s amongst my favourite late-round lottery ticket stashes.

Dameon Pierce, Texans: You most likely already love Pierce a lot that he’ll be your fourth-round decide or one thing, however there’s extra you need to know. Not solely is he a clean runner with nice cuts and improved stability, however he additionally held up in move safety in opposition to a defensive lineman on the 49ers! That had to have gotten him some cred along with his coaches. He actually does verify off loads of packing containers — I believe he may finally be a three-down participant for the Texans, however most likely to not begin the 12 months. Matchups in opposition to the Colts and Broncos to start additionally make me a tad cautious about some early-season success. For those who’re taking Pierce in Spherical 5, you are doing alright. Spherical 4 is just too near his ceiling.

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots: There have been a few performs in opposition to Las Vegas the place I believed Stevenson ought to have had extra yards. Not all of them are on him — in some circumstances his blocking wasn’t good and he made essentially the most of it, like on his third carry the place he reduce on an edge run and located a good area to energy by for six yards. I want I noticed extra explosiveness from Stevenson on a red-zone run to the left aspect the place he adopted his blockers in opposition to an out-of-position protection. He would have had a landing. He is positively gifted, however his offensive line may very well be as a lot of an issue as Damien Harris blocking his path to a big workload. 

Tyler Allgeier, Falcons: The rookie obtained loads of run within the third preseason recreation, beginning and going into the fourth quarter. For an enormous man, he moved very properly. Good arms, too. Bodily and able to shedding tacklers. Arthur Smith fed him on 4 straight performs to finish a drive with a short-yardage landing. He has loads of good traits; it is only a matter of once we’ll see him within the offense. If the Falcons use Cordarrelle Patterson as a working again, and Damien Williams because the man behind him, Allgeier should wait some time. For those who draft Allgeier in Spherical eleven-plus, be ready to remain affected person.

Isiah Pacheco & Ronald Jones, Chiefs: It positive looks like Clyde Edwards-Helaire will open the season because the Chiefs’ prime again. We’d see Jerick McKinnon be on the sector in apparent passing conditions. It would not go away loads of room for Pacheco and Jones. However each made a optimistic impression of their final preseason recreation — Pacheco by following blocks and flashing good velocity, imaginative and prescient and decisiveness and Jones by working with extra energy than we had seen previously. They’re good depth for the Chiefs, and Pacheco is especially gifted, but it surely’s just a little robust to see both one being nice for Fantasy till one thing goes fallacious for Edwards-Helaire. Jones will not get drafted in any typical league, however Pacheco should not be a thought till not less than Spherical 11.

Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles: Between his utilization at practices in Miami and him beginning and enjoying just a little bit within the third preseason recreation, I do not assume the teaching workers views Gainwell as a future characteristic again. Even when Miles Sanders is harm, Gainwell will share like he did in apply with Boston Scott. His position is his position. He’s quick and is an efficient pass-catcher and his measurement is not a detriment, however he is most likely not going to see 15-plus touches fairly often.

Tight ends after Spherical 8

Cole Kmet, Bears: His landing was as a result of a breakdown by the Browns protection. He figures to get loads of targets, and that is what issues most, however man, do not anticipate him to be some type of speedy, separating machine. Moreover, I believe all it’ll take is for one Bears receiver to step up and turn out to be a viable goal within the offense to ship Kmet’s inventory on a downward spiral. There is a title later who it may very well be. Possibly. Probably. Anyway, draft Kmet late — Spherical 9 on the earliest — however do not be shocked in the event you’re bailing on him by Week 4.

David Njoku, Browns: OK look, Njoku had strong straight-line velocity however I used to be just a little disenchanted he did not have a lot agility or quickness (in my notes I wrote “it took him every week and a half to show again to Jacoby Brissett on a comeback route”). What he did have had been loads of brief routes and straightforward throws for Brissett to make. I might financial institution on that persevering with. Njoku has an actual shot to be the second-most focused member of the Browns this 12 months, and it is on that hope that I might take him as a streaming tight finish in Spherical 12-plus.

Cameron Brate, Buccaneers: Brate began and performed six straight snaps earlier than Kyle Rudolph performed three. Then Brate was again in to catch Brady’s final move in opposition to the Colts. I felt like perhaps Brate was barely quicker than Rudolph, however he has a lot expertise working with Brady and likewise has a greater understanding of the offense. I can not assist however marvel if we’re lacking the boat right here and Brate is the following Gronk in Tampa’s offense. If there was ever a case to stash a good finish for simply Week 1 to see if he has some significant worth, this is able to be it. Brate is last-round materials.

Huge receivers with extensive ADPs

Julio Jones, Buccaneers: I hate to say it however Jones did not transfer like he used to. He wasn’t sudden. What he did have was timing with Tom Brady, and to be honest, he did flip again to Brady on comeback routes fairly shortly. You may see it on a hitch route the place Brady already had the ball out of his hand earlier than Jones had completed turning again towards him. I do not like trusting Jones figuring out he is so brittle and never as explosive, however the late-round price ticket is not a lot of a deterrent.

Treylon Burks, Titans: The remainder of the world is trashing Burks’ Fantasy worth, however I proceed to love his match with Tennessee. He had fast footwork in his comebacks to Willis after which adjusted to a excessive throw as quickly as he rotated. He confirmed some good velocity on his longer routes in addition to on his seize for a catch-and-run landing within the pink zone. That occurred after he harm his wrist, by the best way. My concept: The Titans performed him lots within the preseason to ensure his effort and conditioning are nearly as good as doable. I like that I can draft him later than once I did again in July. At one hundredth total, he is a promising receiver I am keen to be affected person with.

Robert Woods, Titans: The veteran receiver hasn’t misplaced something on the subject of footwork and approach. And he is nonetheless a tricky cat within the run blocking recreation. However he did have a tough time separating from protection along with his velocity. Woods is likely to be a greater receiver in opposition to zone protection relatively than man, which is likely to be an issue if defenses play extra man in opposition to the Titans as a result of they need to compete in opposition to Derrick Henry. If Woods goes forward of Burks, I might relatively probability it on Burks.

Skyy Moore, Chiefs: As soon as once more, Moore confirmed off a fast first step off the snap with acceleration after to get open. He used stutter-steps not solely in a stop-go sample however once more to flip hips again to the quarterback. He can get open in opposition to man protection and zone protection, and he additionally dropped a extremely  good block on a working again display. Level is, he may very well be a main receiver for the Chiefs as soon as Andy Reid will get snug along with his lack of expertise. I like drafting Moore in Spherical 10-plus, however I do know I must be affected person with him.

Romeo Doubs, Packers: Swift footwork in his route purchased him area in opposition to a cornerback, and he is adept at getting open on in-breaking routes, however I fear about Doubs’ second gear, particularly in opposition to man protection down the sector. He additionally did just a little an excessive amount of dancing on a display move when he was lined up within the slot. I just like the expertise lots but it surely is likely to be too huge for him to begin straight away. And as soon as Christian Watson will get up to the mark, would not Doubs have to attend longer to contribute? I am nervous taking Doubs, even with a late decide, as a result of he may not repay for some time.

Dynasty/deep deep sleeper receivers

David Bell, Browns: I can not say Bell was overly spectacular in his actions in opposition to Chicago, but when he will man the slot for Cleveland he ought to see some first rate goal quantity on some (most?) weeks. Bell’s positives? He was good at discovering holes within the zone, ran routes with strong ft and paused to range velocity and hold defenders on their toes. I favored that, however I did not love that he did not appear to run away from anyone. He has a shot if he can earn some targets.

Dante Pettis, Bears: Do you bear in mind this man? Are you able to consider he is nonetheless within the league? Not solely is he nonetheless within the league, however he was working nice routes and displaying wonderful timing with Fields on a comeback route after which ran a wonderful post-corner to fully displace a cornerback for a landing. Keep in mind the title — Chicago wants a great receiver reverse Darnell Mooney and their analysis of receivers figures to proceed into the season.